Listen up, seniors, because school isn't over for you just yet. While you may
be getting that spring fever and thinking about your post-graduation plans, there
are still a few lessons that you need to be taught. So sharpen those pencils,
get the notebooks out and take good notes because there will be a test at the
end of the semester.

Even though top WNBA prospects are still
in college their education will continue well into the WNBA. A year ago they were
still college seniors with little idea what to expect in the WNBA. Then they were
drafted and the education begun immediately. From veterans to recent grads, some
of the WNBA's current players already making names for themselves in the league
don their professor caps and shed some light on what the incoming rookies can
expect.

The education and the schooling continues for the 2005 class.Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE/Getty Images

Sancho Lyttle,
Houston CometsThe schedule, I knew the games lasted about four months,
but I never learned that we would be out of town for two or three days a week,
so that was the biggest difference, you come home, sleep one day on your bed and
you're gone again."

Kristen Mann, Minnesota Lynx"I think the biggest
thing I've learned is how physical the professional league is on the court. I'd
say the other big thing that I learned is how much of a business this really is
now. In college, people hold your hand."

Kendra Wecker, San Antonio Silver
Stars"The biggest thing you need to learn about life in the WNBA is that
it really is a business. That has been the toughest adjustment for me because
it is important to get your name out there and promote the sport, meet a lot of
people and find the people that can help you around every corner. This is the
top league in the world for a reason and the best of the best all come to play
here and we will continue to grow."

Kristin Haynie, Sacramento Monarchs"That's
hard for me to say because Rookie Orientation prepares us so well and totally
manages our expectations as far as how different the professional game is. Current
and former players come in and we get to ask questions, so nothing surprised me
in the WNBA. The girls are stronger and faster and play a much more physical style
of play and the game is more up-tempo."

What they've said
in the past...

2004: Lindsay
Whalen, Connecticut Sun"I that learned everyone is tall, long and
fast. Everyone is a great player and you have to come ready and bring it every
night."

2002: Sue Bird,
Seattle Storm "At first I was a little nervous about going out to the
west coast. I didn't realize how much fun adapting to a new city would be. Not
only off the court, but on it as well. The fans are so passionate in this league,
its great to play in front of them every night."

2001: Ruth
Riley, Detroit Shock"I think one thing you don't realize coming out
of college is that your new team is full of such diversity. There are people from
different areas of the country and the world, and from all different age groups.
In college, there is a close knit group of girls that you go to school with and
are roughly the same age. But as a rookie, there are veteran players who have
been playing for a long time and have so much more experience."